How to Help Feed the Homeless on Thanksgiving

Holidays like Thanksgiving bring more focus to the gap between the rich and the poor. For many, Thanksgiving is just another day without food or shelter. Without feeding initiatives and volunteers, the wonderful taste of a turkey dinner wouldn't be possible for homeless people. Help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving to ensure the spirit and tradition of the holiday is shared with the less fortunate.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a location. Research Thanksgiving feeding campaigns in your local area. Community and religious organizations often sponsor and promote these holiday feeding missions. Contact local homeless shelters and food banks to discover volunteer opportunities during Thanksgiving meal service. Complete all applicable registration activities to ensure you're included in the volunteer effort on the big day. Although volunteers are greatly appreciated, feeding events must be highly organized. There may be no room for surprise volunteer efforts.

2. Enlist extra help. Ask your friends and neighbors to join in your volunteer efforts. Tell them about the various campaigns and encourage their participation. Although you may not all be able to work at the same facility, the pride of feeding the homeless can last a lifetime. Ask about volunteer opportunities for your children to introduce them to the world of community service.

3. Give service with a smile. Leave negative attitudes and behaviors outside the facility. Engage each person with friendly conversation and service. Homeless people are often treated as if they're invisible. Take the time to make this Thanksgiving meal a joyous occasion. Although kitchen work can be stressful, work hard to get along with facility personnel, including fellow volunteers.

4. Follow all instructions. Take your job seriously by accurately completing the duties of your assigned position. Resist the urge to do more or less than what you're asked. For example, handing out a double portion of turkey and dressing to one person may mean that another person won't get the chance to have any.

5. Remain flexible. Although your initial plans may have been to work at the facility for a few hours, it's important to stay until your assigned duty is completed. A variety of circumstances can contribute to plan changes. For example, predictions regarding Thanksgiving meal turnout can be wrong. It may be necessary to perform unexpected duties due to lack of adequate volunteer support. Keep a smile on your face as you help make the meal service a success.

Tips & Warnings

• Clear your schedule to devote your undivided attention to the meal service. Let family members and friends know that you won't be available.

• Avoid belittling other volunteers or mealtime guests.

Resources

• Just Give.org: Ways to Help the Homeless